In this episode of Ahead of the Curve, I talk with Troy Cameron, past professional baseball player in the Atlanta Braves farm system. Today, Troy gives back to the community as Head Coach St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Troy shares his tips on how he develops a killer training program for his team on and off the field

Show Notes:

Guest: Troy Cameron, professional baseball player who is now sharing his passion and helping others as a Coach

What coaching looks like for a team of 100 kids

How Troy develops a conditioning program for his kids

Why Florida's new regulations are not hindering the teams practice during the fall

Why fall training focuses on baseball fundamentals and building fitness

Troy has 14-15 coaches during baseball season

Coach- player ratio of 1:4

Why Troy relies on the power of his coaching team and network

What a typical spring practice looks like for Troy´s team

We do situations a lot

Why Troy focuses on bat control during BP

Why Troy focuses on bunting even when he doesn't believe in it

How Troy structures his team tryouts

What Troy wish he would have known before becoming a coach

How Troy handles parent communication with his athletes

How Troy prepares assistant coaches to be head coaches

What changes Troy makes in his program from year to year

3 Key Points:

In the offseason, it is important to encourage overall health. Troy does this through a conditioning program and focusing on fundamentals.

Having an integrated support team which includes coaches and teachers allows Troys team to succeed in baseball and academics.

Beyond technical training and fitness, communication is key for having a successful team.

Tweetable Quotes:

- “If you create the right culture, and that culture can kind of grow in a direction that you see it and wanted to be in every year, you have your chance to put your stamp on it.” – Troy.

-“You gotta have your top guy that everybody looks up to on your team as the man, this guy is the guy. If he's too good to sweep the sheds, or he's too good to pick up the helmet back, then you're in trouble.” – Troy.

- “We try to find as many things we can off the field to get these guys together. And that challenge is certainly one of the things I look forward to every year.¨–Troy

- “Our situations are what we really focus in on.¨–Troy

- “Play to your strengths and and you'll be able to play the game as long as you're meant to play it.¨–Troy

- “One of the core strengths was the communication.¨–Troy

- ¨I don't want them to feel like they're forced to have to play for me because I'm their coach. I want to know they want to play for me¨–Troy